RICHMOND, Va. -- While restaurants in Virginia were not included in Gov. Ralph Northam's ban on public gatherings of more than 100 people, some Richmond restaurants have opted to close as COVID-19 spreads.
For example, Acclaimed Scott's Addition restaurant Longoven voluntarily closed its doors for at least two weeks Sunday.
“We got out of here last night, and everybody gave everybody a bump,” said chef and co-owner Patrick Phelan, who plans to pay his employees during the two weeks off.
However, Phelan knows that is not an option for all restaurants.
"The reality is for some people they can make a decision where they can insulate themselves and protect their entire team,” Phelan said. “For other restaurants I imagine it's the reality of laying people off.”
Virginia officials have not decided to close businesses in the wake of growing coronavirus concerns and Gov, Ralph Northam said restaurants should find ways to prevent the spread of the virus if they stay open.
"Space the tables out," Northam said. “In other words, don't at every table in the restaurant, but every other table to encourage the social distancing.”
"There are a lot of people that are balancing the everyday anxiety of, 'Can I hug my kids when I go home?'” Phelan said. “That up against, 'Can I save my business?' and my waitstaff isn't going to get a job down the street tomorrow."
Phelan thinks a mandatory closure would provide greater clarity, especially coupled with tax relief and emergency unemployment for workers.
"The safety net for people's livelihoods is not going to have to be based on if you're sick or not,” Phelan said.
Brittanny Anderson, whose restaurants Metzger Bar and Butchery and Brenner Pass were open for business Saturday night, said the industry "in general, is not set up for this stuff... All of us just want to do the right thing."
However, as of Sunday evening, Anderson decided to close Metzger and Brenner Pass.
Anderson said the restaurants will try to-go meals in the interim.
Other restaurants, like Heritage in the Fan, have set up new business models.
"We will announce a in home dinner (we make, you bake), pick up menu starting Tuesday, with wine and beer to go as well," Heritage posted on social media. "We believe a unified response to this global pandemic is the best way to slow the spread and keep our community safe."
Learn more about Richmond restaurants, listen to "Eat It, Virginia!"
The following restaurants have announced temporary closures:
